Date 6 August, 2026
By Abraham Ovuoba
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has approved the establishment of a female football team as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen sports development and expand opportunities for young athletes across the state.
The State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Chidi Onyia, disclosed this in Abakaliki during a familiarization visit by the executive members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ebonyi State Chapter, to his office.
Onyia said the governor’s approval reflects his administration’s commitment to repositioning sports in Ebonyi and providing a platform for female footballers to develop their talents and compete favourably with their counterpart around the globe.
He noted that the initiative comes on the heels of the outstanding performance of Ebonyi-born athlete, Gabriel Ogazi, who recently won Gold in the Men’s 400 metres and is currently ranked number one in the world in the event.
The commissioner also announced that Governor Nwifuru has approved the payment of stipends to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in Ebonyi State, ending more than a decade without such support.
He therefore charged Abakaliki FC to intensify efforts towards securing promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stressing that the state government remains committed to supporting sports development in the state.
Onyia further urged sports journalists to sustain professional, balanced and objective reporting while promoting grassroots sports and encouraging the discovery of young talents across the state.
The Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ebonyi State Chapter, Ndubuisi Nwogha, commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for his youth- and sports-driven policies, saying they have helped reduce crime and promote development in the state.
Nwogha, also pledged continued partnership with the ministry to advance sports development in Ebonyi and wished Onyia more success .
He also appealed to the state government to provide the association with mobility and other operational support to enhance its activities.
